Housing Authorities (Interest Rates)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will introduce a revised 1985–86 Housing Support Grant (Scotland) Order or a variation order under section 3 of the Housing (Financial Provisions) Scotland Act 1978 to compensate housing authorities for the latest increase in interest rates.

The draft Housing Support Grant (Scotland) Order 1985 was laid before the House on 11 January and will be debated on the floor of the House shortly. My right hon. Friend will consider introducing a variation order later in the year. In reaching his decision, he will take into account the pattern of interest rates during the year.